Mike’s Musings …..                                                        Pray for Me

    Several times in Paul’s writings, we read the expression, “Pray for us.” At Ephesians 6:9, he requested personally that the brethren pray for him. James states, “pray one for another” (5:16) and we note Paul’s inspired directive to “pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) This past week has been a week of several brethren requesting, “Please remember me in your prayers,” and so it should not be thought a strange thing that I muse on the subject.

   What a powerful “tool” prayer is! Letting our requests be known before the God of Heaven is a privilege, a blessing, a comfort, the magnitude of which is beyond mortal description! It is our communication with our Father, even though He knows our thoughts and our needs before we utter them. While we commonly word public prayers in our worship services, it might interest you to note the several times within the New Testament when Jesus went off by Himself to pray, and just as frequently, we find the disciples frequently praying without public oration. Consider the value of Matthew 6:5 – 8.

   The “personal request” of a prayer is among the most humbling requests one can make. It admits to a need that the requesting soul cannot fill by himself, else he would not ask, “Pray for me.” Such a request helps us fulfill the law of Christ by bearing that soul’s burden (Galatians 6:2). And such a request admits to a need for strength that is supplied by loving brethren. Even without such a request, praying one for another grants an honor to the one mentioned in prayer, for their name, perhaps known only to the one praying, or perhaps to known to all, is brought before the very throne of God in a petition of mercy, grace, and love that only God the Father provides.

   Prayer is something that can be uttered at any time, in any place, for any righteous reason. Sometimes, as we contemplate our friendships separated by more miles than we can travel, prayer is the best gift to offer! No, they might never know you thought of them and included them in your desires for God’s riches. But God knows and He heard (1 John 5:13 – 15) and He answers. It’s the kindest gesture you can ever extend, and the most appreciated gift you’ll ever receive!

   How often, how fervently, how deliberately do we pray? Jesus prayed all night long. Some struggle to pray for longer than a few minutes. Maybe if we took the time, including during our services, to just pray – not publically, but from our hearts and minds let each one speak to God – maybe we’d have to ask for more time! Regardless, know that I’m praying for you and ask you to pray for me. I’ve been musing about you throughout today!